In the CFR role, Paul supports the ambulance service and is on-duty to respond to life-threatening 999 calls in the local community including cardiac arrest, heart attack, breathing difficulties, stroke, and seizures. The aim is to start providing life-saving medical treatment shortly before an ambulance arrives. Calls can also include non-injury falls and concerns for welfare where many patients can be discharged by a clinician over the phone with the CFR support, saving the need for a further ambulance resource to attend.

Paul commented: “Alongside working for Claires Court I volunteer as a Community First Responder for South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), which is something I’ve done for over three years.

“As all schools are closed to help the government’s strategy to slow down the spread of Covid-19, Claires Court is supporting me to give more voluntary hours during this time of need for the community. We want to help in any way possible for our families, key workers and the wider community. Not only is the school continuing with online education and support for pupils and their families, this volunteering role is additional help to the community.”

The purpose of the CFR scheme is to get someone on-scene quickly from the local community who is able to start providing any immediate life saving care, which is proven to increase the chances of survival. CFRs are funded by the South Central Ambulance Charity to be able to provide the support to SCAS.

For more information about SCAS here.